Chapter 3: Fists Itching for Battle
The battlefield at night.
Not far away, the footsteps of charging soldiers shook the ground, splattering countless clumps of mud. Fortunately, under Joshua's gaze—one that clearly regarded them as idiots—they finally slowed down as they approached, refraining from crashing headlong into the severely wounded warrior.
"Vice Commander!"
A leading soldier called out with concern, then furrowed his brow, exchanging a glance with his comrade. "This injury... are you alright?!"
How could he possibly be alright...
At first, a bit unfamiliar, but Joshua quickly recognized these men. These warriors clad in Black Crow Armor were his subordinates in the Black Crow Vanguard. Too lazy to stand on ceremony, he sighed as he always did: "What are you standing there for? Help me up, and watch the wounds."
As he spoke, these soldiers snapped out of their daze. As Imperial soldiers, they had undoubtedly learned some basic first aid, but it was clear that Joshua's injuries were beyond what they could handle. In fact, this was already a near-fatal level of injury; an ordinary person wouldn't even be able to get up, let alone walk.
However, before encountering him, they had all assumed Joshua was dead. After all, charging alone into the enemy lines of the Orcs usually left no other possibility. Yet, to their utter surprise, he was still alive. Though now gravely wounded and on the verge of death, he could still prop himself up with his spear and move forward. Truly worthy of the Vice Commander!
Supported by two soldiers, Joshua quickly returned to the formation. Two Priests and a Necromancer stepped forward to carry him into a temporarily erected medical tent for treatment.
Although the name "Necromancer" sounded sinister, on the Mycroft Continent, they were not considered part of the evil faction. Officially recognized, legitimate Necromancers accepted volunteer corpses to study the bodily structures of humans and various other races. These individuals were masters of human anatomy and the best physicians for internal injuries. Since they could communicate with spirits, they also occasionally assisted guards in solving cases.
Of course, alongside Necromancers engaged in legitimate research, there were also Necrotic Cultists who focused on the art of killing. They were obsessed with body modification and soul mutation. Zombies, Chimeras, fused Wraiths, and Flesh Puppets—these all-too-familiar monsters were the creations of powerful Necrotic Cultists from past eras.
The divine spells of Priests could heal all external injuries, while the Necromancer's precise spells could mend internal organs. After just thirty minutes of treatment and a meal that was neither lavish nor crucial, Joshua felt that his basic vitality had been restored. The wound on his abdomen had completely healed, and on his status panel, his health had changed from [Critical Danger] to [Moderate Injury], with the only remaining negative status being [Severe Fatigue].
"Why did you all come here?" Swallowing the last of his military rations, Joshua asked. "What's the situation?"
"Our squadron was sent to clear the battlefield and prepare for the siege of the Orcs at Derris Fortress."
The squadron leader, one of Joshua's subordinates, a warrior named Ryan, explained the current situation to him: "On the main battlefield, the Orcs have suffered a complete defeat. Now they can only retreat to the fortress, and our mission is to guard every small path and completely seal them off."
The Black Crow Legion was one of the four major legions directly under the Imperial Emperor. It was divided into five parts: the Vanguard, the Main Force, the Heavy Cavalry Regiment, the Mage Corps (including Priests, Warlocks, and other spellcasters), and the Logistics. In the game, it had special warrior classes like 'Black Crow Raider,' knight classes like 'Black Crow Conqueror,' and a special Thief promotion called 'Death-Announcing Sweeper.'
Despite being so young, Joshua was one of the two Vice Commanders of the Vanguard. Half of this was due to his family background, and half to his ability. The soldiers respected his formidable martial prowess, and their relationship was fairly good. But now, they seemed even more respectful than before.
The reason was simple—Ryan and the others had already seen the battlefield littered with corpses.
The air was thick with the smell of blood and iron. The ground was slick with greasy blood, strewn with mangled bodies. Rotten flesh and entrails coated every inch of the earth.
It was impossible to imagine the brutality of that battle, let alone how strong Joshua must be to have accomplished such a feat single-handedly.
Thinking this, Ryan couldn't help but say, "Since the sun has set, we can't count the number of Orcs for now." He paused, unsure how to continue, then touched his helmet and spoke bluntly: "I used to doubt your age and strength, Vice Commander. Looking back now, my vision was far too short-sighted."
"This great achievement will surely catch the General's attention. He might even award you the Glory Blade."
The Glory Blade wasn't a real weapon, but an honorary ornament similar to a badge. Those who could obtain it were undoubtedly the most valiant warriors on the battlefield. In the game, a Glory Blade badge, being a necessary component for the Platinum Trophy achievement, had been hyped up to a sky-high price of one hundred thousand gold coins. Its usual value was around twenty thousand gold coins, while a complete set of magical armor cost only seventy to eighty thousand.
Furthermore, in the mid-game, a Glory Blade badge could be directly exchanged in the Imperial Capital for a [Pioneer Knight Appointment Letter]. Completing the quest would allow players to open a temporary instance in the wilderness or the Black Forest. Clearing it would let them establish a Pioneer Knight's territory and become a Lord.
"Maybe."
Joshua waved his hand, completely unconcerned. Back in the day, when he was playing in the Continent of Strife, searching for the best war band base, he'd farm Glory Blades by the kilogram. He'd run Lord instances until the sky grew dark and he felt sick from boredom. The process was so thrilling and epic that just recalling it now made him nauseous. A mere Glory Blade badge was nothing compared to the precious [Autonomous Lord Appointment Letter].
As for the Orcs, he'd cleared the Northwest Plains instance no less than a hundred times, slaughtering tens of thousands of them. He was utterly indifferent.
Feeling that his body was mostly healed, with only rest needed, Joshua nodded and said, "Alright, you've worked hard. Continue leading the squad and carry out your mission. No need to delay because of me."
"And you, Vice Commander?"
"I'll go back and report to the senior officer alone."
The senior officer he referred to wasn't the Legion Commander, but the High Commander of the Vanguard. According to military regulations, every officer had to attend a meeting after battle to report their actions. Joshua was no exception. Although he had missed it earlier due to unconsciousness, he would report later. Actually, after discussion, the committee determined that since this incident had not caused any adverse consequences but instead brought considerable advantages, and your bravery proved that the charge was not a reckless act, we have decided to impose the following punishment on you.
"Effective immediately, Joshua van Radcliffe is relieved of his post as Vice Commander of the Black Crow Vanguard and is to be sent back to his territory. However, his merits cannot be erased, and errors and rewards cannot cancel each other out. Therefore, the committee has decided to award him the Glory Blade badge to honor his bravery."
After Monster finished speaking, his usually expressionless face actually broke into a smile. He looked at Joshua and said, "That concludes the entire content of the trial for the Black Crow Vanguard Vice Commander's violation of military law."
He leaned in a little closer and whispered, "Originally, the decision was a three-month suspension, followed by a one-rank promotion. But I heard there are matters at your home, and the war against the Orcs will last at least until next spring. So, I simply had you suspended and sent back. What do you think?"
What could he think? It was absolutely perfect! Joshua nodded with a smile, but inwardly, he was already laughing out loud.
Sure enough, it was a clear demotion that was actually a reward. Saying "suspension and repatriation" was just a way to send him back home. And suspension didn't mean he couldn't return; it meant he was still part of the military system and hadn't left. For someone who originally intended to retire, this was entirely a reward.
"Now then, following the tradition of the Black Crow Legion, I will bestow the Warrior's Blessing upon you."
At this point, Monster's gaze and tone shed their previous coldness, becoming serious and full of authority: "Men die from cowardice."
For some reason, Joshua immediately became solemn. An inexplicable sense of martial spirit filled the warrior's heart. He stood up and, word by word, clearly replied:
"And live by faith."
"May the glory of the Death-Announcer be with you, brave one."
They saluted each other, and this simplified wartime trial came to an end.
"Now, then... wait." Suddenly, Monster frowned. Something at his waist was vibrating. "A magical urgent message?"
Making an apologetic expression to Joshua, the examiner pulled out a silver, tuning-fork-shaped metal rod from a pendant at his waist. It was densely covered with runes. He gathered mana in his right hand and activated it. "A third-priority urgent message. What could it be?"
"Do I need to step aside?"
Joshua prompted. He didn't want to hear anything he shouldn't.
"No need. This message has a security level of only two. You'll definitely know about it."
As the runes were activated, the tuning fork vibrated, and a mechanical voice emerged:
"In the northern Moldavia Territory, Winterfell Count Beruo de Radcliffe has been confirmed dead. His brother, Dania Radcliffe, has submitted an application to inherit the title."
Upon hearing this news, Monster's eyes widened. He felt a fierce killing intent erupting behind him. In an instant, a chill spread, a pressure comparable to Dragon Might filling the tent. A terrifying silence descended.
After a long moment, the frost-like murderous intent receded. Joshua returned to his normal state. "Perfect timing, isn't it?"
His voice was very soft. "I can't wait to go back."